U.S. patent application number 12/462979 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-17 for bottle, system and method for sterilizing a liquid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Neverest Travel Solutions Corp.. Invention is credited to Eric James.
Application Number | 20110038754 12/462979 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43588701 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110038754 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
James; Eric |
February 17, 2011 |
Bottle, system and method for sterilizing a liquid
Abstract
A bottle, a system and a method sterilize a liquid. The bottle
has an interior to hold the liquid and an ultraviolet light
emitting lamp that extends into the interior. A cord may be
attached to the bottle so that pulling the cord may power the
ultraviolet light emitting lamp and/or charge a battery used to
power the ultraviolet light emitting lamp. The bottle may have a
status light that indicates that the ultraviolet light emitting
lamp may have an amount of power equal to or greater than a
threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary
for the ultraviolet light emitting lamp to operate for ninety
seconds. The bottle may have a removable lid located opposite to
the ultraviolet light emitting lamp.
Inventors: |
James; Eric; (Evanston,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENTS+TMS, P.C.
2849 W. ARMITAGE AVE.
CHICAGO
IL
60647
US
|
Assignee: |
Neverest Travel Solutions
Corp.
|
Family ID: |
43588701 |
Appl. No.: |
12/462979 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/24 ; 422/119;
422/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/325 20130101;
Y02A 20/212 20180101; C02F 2307/02 20130101; C02F 2201/009
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/24 ; 422/243;
422/119 |
International
Class: |
A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10 |
Claims
1. A bottle for sterilizing a liquid, the bottle comprising: a
housing having an interior that holds the liquid wherein the
housing has a top end and a bottom end wherein the bottom end is
located in a position opposite to the top end and further wherein
the housing has an opening located at the top end wherein the
opening provides access to the interior; a lid that covers the
opening wherein the lid reversibly attaches and de-attaches from
the housing; a base connected to the bottom end of the housing
wherein the base is located outside of the interior of the housing
and further wherein the base has a hole; a lamp connected to the
base wherein the lamp extends from the bottom end of the housing
within the interior of the housing; a bobbin located in the base
that rotates relative to the base; and a cord having a first end
and a second end located in a position opposite to the first end
wherein the second end of the cord is connected to the bobbin and
further wherein the cord extends through the hole in the base
wherein pulling the first end of the cord rotates the bobbin and
further wherein rotation of the bobbin generates energy for the
lamp to emit ultraviolet light and visible light.
2. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a status light
connected to the base wherein the status light indicates if the
energy meets a threshold value.
3. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a switch connected to
the base wherein moving the switch from a first position to a
second position initiates emission of the ultraviolet light and the
visible light by the lamp.
4. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a handle connected to
the first end of the cord wherein pulling the handle pulls the
first end of the cord to rotate the bobbin.
5. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a battery connected to
the base and the lamp.
6. The bottle of claim 1 wherein a volume of the interior of the
housing is approximately one liter.
7. A system for sterilizing a liquid for a user, the system
comprising: a bottle that has an interior that holds the liquid
wherein the bottle has a first opening; a lamp connected to the
bottle wherein the lamp extends into the interior of the bottle
from a position located opposite to the first opening; and a crank
connected to the bottle that rotates relative to the bottle wherein
rotation of the crank generates energy used by the lamp to emit
ultraviolet light into the interior of the bottle.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a base that connects
the crank to the bottle wherein the base is located in a position
opposite to the first opening and further wherein the base has a
width that is approximately equal to a width of the housing.
9. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a lid that covers the
first opening wherein the lid has a second opening that provides
access to the interior of the bottle.
10. The system of claim 7 wherein the lamp emits visible light into
the interior of the bottle.
11. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a status light that
emits light to indicate if the energy generated by the crank
matches or exceeds a threshold value.
12. The system of claim 7 wherein the crank folds from a first
orientation into a second orientation and further wherein a length
of the crank in the second orientation is less than a width of the
bottle.
13. The system of claim 7 further comprising: a switch connected to
the bottle wherein the lamp emits the ultraviolet light in response
to movement of the switch.
14. A method for sterilizing a liquid for a user, the method
comprising the steps of: placing the liquid in an interior of a
bottle through an opening; connecting a lid to the bottle having
the liquid wherein the lid covers the opening; pulling a cord
connected to the bottle to generate energy; and emitting
ultraviolet light into the interior of the bottle using the
energy.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: emitting
visible light into the interior of the bottle.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of:
indicating that the energy generated by the cord exceeds a
threshold value.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of:
recharging a battery connected to the bottle using the energy
generated by the cord.
18. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: emitting
the ultraviolet light from a lamp connected to the lid wherein the
lamp extends from the lid through the opening into the interior of
the bottle.
19. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: moving a
switch connected to the bottle wherein the ultraviolet light is
emitted in response to movement of the switch.
20. The method of claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
indicating that the energy generated by the cord exceeds a
threshold value; and moving a switch connected to the bottle
wherein emission of the ultraviolet light is responsive to the user
moving the switch.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a bottle, a
system and a method for sterilizing a liquid. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a bottle having an interior to
hold the liquid and a UV light that extends into the interior. The
UV light may also emit visible light to indicate functionality of
the UV light. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that pulling
the cord may power the UV light and/or charge a battery used to
power the UV light.
[0002] Water may be contaminated by microorganisms, such as, for
example, bacteria, protozoa and viruses. Consuming water
contaminated by microorganisms may cause cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
and/or serious medical problems. For example, death may occur due
to medical problems caused by the microorganisms or severe
dehydration caused by unavailability of uncontaminated water. Thus,
removal of the microorganisms from the water or rendering the
microorganisms inactive is desirable.
[0003] Sterilization of water is generally known. Most water
sterilization systems are designed to remain stationary. Typically,
a pump directs water through the system. However, water
sterilization may be needed for areas where power is not available,
such as, for example, remote locations lacking water treatment
facilities. Further, a stationary water sterilization system may
not be economically efficient for a sparsely populated area.
Moreover, during outdoor activities, sterilization of a relatively
small volume of water may be desirable. Chemicals, such as, for
example, chlorine, hydrogen peroxide or iodine, or portable
filters, such as, for example, a charcoal filter or a ceramic
filter, may improve the quality of a relatively small volume of
water, but the chemicals and the portable filters are not capable
of removing the microorganisms or rendering the microorganisms
inactive. In addition, the chemicals may be unhealthy to
ingest.
[0004] Ultraviolet light may be used to provide a portable water
sterilization system. Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic
radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light. Ultraviolet
light may enable water sterilization without the use of chemicals
or filters. Short range ultraviolet light ("UV-C") having a
wavelength of 254 nm is mutagenic to bacteria, viruses and other
microorganisms. The UV-C light breaks molecular bonds within the
DNA of the microorganisms to produce thymine dimers in the DNA. The
thymine dimers kill the microorganism or prevent growth and
reproduction.
[0005] However, existing portable water sterilization devices that
emit UV-C light require an external power source that has a limited
duration of use. The external power source may be required to
provide energy to a UV-C light emitting means and a pump to direct
the water by the UV-C light emitting means. Remote locations
throughout the world in need of sterilized water also lack
electrical power necessary for existing water sterilization
devices. Further, if the portable water sterilization device uses a
battery, the device may be inoperable if the battery expires until
a new battery is obtained or the battery is recharged.
[0006] Therefore, known water sterilization systems are stationary
and/or use a battery for energy. Moreover, the known water
sterilization systems fail without an external power source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention generally relates to a bottle, a
system and a method for sterilizing a liquid. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a bottle having an interior to
hold the liquid and a UV light that extends into the interior. The
UV light may also emit visible light to indicate functionality of
the UV light. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that
mechanical energy created by pulling the cord may power the UV
light and/or charge a battery used to power the UV light. The
bottle may have a status light that indicates that a time duration
of function of the UV light may be sufficient for the liquid to be
sterilized. The bottle may have a removable lid located at an end
of the bottle opposite to the UV light.
[0008] To this end, in an embodiment of the present invention, a
bottle for sterilizing a liquid is provided. The bottle has a
housing having an interior that holds the liquid wherein the
housing has a top end and a bottom end wherein the bottom end is
located in a position opposite to the top end and further wherein
the housing has an opening located at the top end wherein the
opening provides access to the interior; a lid that covers the
opening wherein the lid reversibly attaches and de-attaches from
the housing; a base connected to the bottom end of the housing
wherein the base is located outside of the interior of the housing
and further wherein the base has a hole; a lamp connected to the
base wherein the lamp extends from the bottom end of the housing
within the interior of the housing; a bobbin located in the base
that rotates relative to the base; and a cord having a first end
and second end located in a position opposite to the first end
wherein the second end of the cord is connected to the bobbin and
further wherein the cord extends through the hole in the base
wherein pulling the first end of the cord rotates the bobbin and
further wherein rotation of the bobbin generates energy for the
lamp to emit ultraviolet light and visible light.
[0009] In an embodiment, the bottle has a status light connected to
the base wherein the status light indicates if the energy meets a
threshold value.
[0010] In an embodiment, the bottle has a switch connected to the
base wherein moving the switch from a first position to a second
position initiates emission of the ultraviolet light and the
visible light by the lamp.
[0011] In an embodiment, the bottle has a handle connected to the
first end of the cord wherein pulling the handle pulls the first
end of the cord to rotate the bobbin.
[0012] In an embodiment, the bottle has a battery connected to the
base and the lamp.
[0013] In an embodiment, a volume of the interior of the housing is
approximately one liter.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for
sterilizing a liquid for a user is provided. The system has a
bottle that has an interior that holds the liquid wherein the
bottle has a first opening; a lamp connected to the bottle wherein
the lamp extends into the interior of the bottle from a position
located opposite to the first opening; and a crank connected to the
bottle that rotates relative to the bottle wherein rotation of the
crank generates energy used by the lamp to emit ultraviolet light
into the interior of the bottle.
[0015] In an embodiment, the system has a base that connects the
crank to the bottle wherein the base is located in a position
opposite to the first opening and further wherein the base has a
width that is approximately equal to a width of the housing.
[0016] In an embodiment, the system has a lid that covers the first
opening wherein the lid has a second opening that provides access
to the interior of the bottle.
[0017] In an embodiment, the lamp emits visible light into the
interior of the bottle.
[0018] In an embodiment, the system has a status light that emits
light to indicate if the energy generated by the crank matches or
exceeds a threshold value.
[0019] In an embodiment, the crank folds from a first orientation
into a second orientation and a length of the crank in the second
orientation is less than a width of the bottle.
[0020] In an embodiment, the system has a switch connected to the
bottle wherein the lamp emits the ultraviolet light in response to
movement of the switch.
[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for
sterilizing a liquid for a user is provided. The method has the
steps of placing the liquid in an interior of a bottle through an
opening; connecting a lid to the bottle having the liquid wherein
the lid covers the opening; pulling a cord connected to the bottle
to generate energy; and emitting ultraviolet light into the
interior of the bottle using the energy.
[0022] In an embodiment, the method has the step of emitting
visible light into the interior of the bottle.
[0023] In an embodiment, the method has the step of indicating that
the energy generated by the cord exceeds a threshold value.
[0024] In an embodiment, the method has the step of recharging a
battery connected to the bottle using the energy generated by the
cord.
[0025] In an embodiment, the method has the step of emitting the
ultraviolet light from a lamp connected to the lid wherein the lamp
extends from the lid through the opening into the interior of the
bottle.
[0026] In an embodiment, the method has the step of moving a switch
connected to the bottle wherein the ultraviolet light is emitted in
response to movement of the switch.
[0027] In an embodiment, the method has the steps of indicating
that the energy generated by the cord exceeds a threshold value;
and moving a switch connected to the bottle wherein emission of the
ultraviolet light is responsive to the user moving the switch.
[0028] It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to
provide a bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a
liquid.
[0029] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that are not
dependent on an external power source.
[0030] A still further advantage of the present invention is to
provide a bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid
that are easily transported.
[0031] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide
a bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that emits
ultraviolet light for a predetermined time period.
[0032] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a
bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that are
powered by a pull cord.
[0033] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a
bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that are
powered by a dynamo.
[0034] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a
bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that use
visible light to indicate if a time duration of use of a UV-C lamp
may be sufficient for sterilization of the liquid.
[0035] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide
a bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that have
a crank that may fold.
[0036] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a
bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that
recharge a battery.
[0037] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide
a bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid that
indicate if power was generated to meet a threshold value.
[0038] Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is to
provide a bottle, a system and a method for sterilizing a liquid
that shield a user from UV light.
[0039] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed
description of the presently preferred embodiments and from the
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective side view of a bottle in an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a black box diagram of a system for
sterilizing a liquid an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for sterilizing a
liquid in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective side view of a bottle in an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] The present invention generally relates to a bottle, a
system and a method for sterilizing a liquid. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a bottle having an interior to
hold the liquid and a UV light that extends into the interior. The
UV light may also emit visible light to indicate functionality of
the UV light. A cord may be attached to the bottle so that
mechanical energy created by pulling the cord may power the UV
light and/or charge a battery used to power the UV light. The cord
may be connected to an internal electrical generator located in the
bottle. The bottle may have a status light that indicates that the
UV light may have an amount of power equal to-or greater than a
threshold value, such as, for example, an amount of power necessary
for the UV lamp to operate for ninety seconds. The bottle may have
a removable lid located at an end of the bottle opposite to the UV
light.
[0045] Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to
like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a bottle 10 in an embodiment of the
present invention. The bottle 10 may have a housing 11 that may
have a top end 12 and/or a bottom end 13 located in a position
opposite to the top end 12. The housing 11 may have a first opening
20 located at the top end 12. The housing 11 may have a cylindrical
shape, and/or the first opening 20 may be circular. The housing 11
may have an interior 15, and/or the first opening 20 may provide
access to the interior 15.
[0046] The bottle 10 may have a lid 30 that may connect to the
housing 11 to cover and/or seal the first opening 20. For example,
the lid 30 may connect to the housing 11 with grooves 5 that may be
formed in the lid 30 and/or that may be connected to the housing
11. The lid 30 may connect to the housing 11 using a lanyard 31.
The lanyard 30 may be connected to the housing 11 by a collar 32
that may be connected to the top end 12 of the housing 11. The lid
30 may have vertical ridges 35 that may assist a user in turning
the lid 30 to remove the lid 30 from the housing 11 to obtain
access to the first opening 20. The lid 30 may have a second
opening 29 that may enable the user to access the first opening 20
without removing the lid 30 from the housing 11. The lid 30 and/or
the housing 11 may shield the user from ultraviolet light emitted
into the interior 15 of the housing 11 as discussed in more detail
hereafter.
[0047] The housing 11 may be manufactured and/or constructed from
plastic, such as, for example, polypropylene, high-density
polyethylene, low-density polyethylene and/or the like. In an
embodiment, the housing 11 may not have bisphenol A. The housing 11
may be translucent and/or partially opaque such that the user may
view the interior 15 of the housing 11. The housing 11 may be more
rigid relative to the lanyard 31, and/or the lanyard 31 may be
flexible. The lid 30 may be removed from the opening 20 while the
lanyard 31 and/or the collar 32 maintain connection of the lid 30
to the housing 11. In an embodiment, the housing 11 and/or the
bottle 10 may be resistant to impact and/or staining and/or may be
washed in a standard dishwasher. The present invention is not
limited to a specific embodiment of a material of the housing 11
and/or the lanyard 31.
[0048] A volume of the interior 15 of the housing 11 may be any
volume. In an embodiment, the volume of the interior 15 of the
housing 11 is approximately two liters or less. For example, in an
embodiment, the volume of the interior 15 is approximately two
liters. In another embodiment, the volume of the interior 15 of the
housing 11 is approximately one liter or less. For example, in an
embodiment, the volume of the interior 15 is approximately 750
milliliters. In a preferred embodiment, the volume of the interior
15 of the housing 11 is approximately one liter. A height 40 and/or
a width 41 of the housing 11 may be any height and/or any width,
respectively. In an embodiment, the height 40 of the housing 11 is
approximately ten inches or less, and/or the width 41 of the
housing is approximately four inches or less. In a preferred
embodiment, the height 40 is nine inches and/or the width 41 is 3.5
inches. The housing 11 may have markings 42 that may indicate a
volume of liquid located in the interior 15 of the housing 11. The
present invention is not limited to a specific volume, height or
the width of the housing 11. The volume, the height 40 and the
width 41 may be any value.
[0049] A base 50 may be connected to the bottom end 13 of the
housing 11. The base 50 may have a cylindrical shape, and/or the
base 50 may have a width 51 that may be approximately equal to the
width 41 of the housing 11. A height 52 of the base 50 may be any
height. In an embodiment, the height 52 of the base 50 is
approximately two inches or less. In a preferred embodiment, the
height 52 of the base 50 is 1.5 inches. The present invention is
not limited to a specific embodiment of a shape of the base 50, a
specific width or a specific height. The shape of the base 50 may
be any shape, and the width 51 and the height 52 of the base 52 may
be any value.
[0050] A lamp 55 may extend from the base 50 and/or the bottom end
13 of the housing 11 into the interior 15 of the housing 11.
Alternatively, the lamp 55 may extend from the lid 30 into the
interior 15 of the housing 11. For example, in an embodiment, the
lamp 55 may extend from the lid 30 through the first opening 20
into the interior 15 of the housing 11 if the lid 30 is connected
to the housing 11. The lamp 55 may emit ultraviolet light, such as,
for example, light having a wavelength between 200 nm and 300 nm.
In an preferred embodiment, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light
may be approximately 254 nm. The volume of the interior 15 of the
housing 11 may enable the liquid in the interior 15 to be
irradiated by the ultraviolet light. The lamp 55 may be a mercury
vapor lamp, such as, for example, a low-pressure UV lamp, an
amalgam UV lamp, a medium-pressure UV lamp, an electrode-powered UV
lamp, a microwave-powered UV lamp and/or the like. The lamp 55 may
have a quartz casing (not shown). The lamp 55 may emit visible
light, such as, for example, light having a wavelength between 380
nm to 750 nm. For example, the lamp 55 may have one or more
ultraviolet light emitting diodes and/or one/or more visible light
emitting diodes. In an embodiment, the lamp 55 may provide 8,000
uses, and each of the uses is an approximately ninety second time
period of ultraviolet light emission. The present invention is not
limited to a specific embodiment of the lamp 55, and the lamp 55
may be any lamp that may emit the ultraviolet light and/or the
visible light.
[0051] The lamp 55 may have a length 56 and/or a width 57.
Preferably, the length 56 may be three inches or less, and/or the
width 57 may be an inch or less. In a preferred embodiment, the
length 56 is approximately 2.5 inches, and/or the width 57 is
approximately twelve millimeters. The present invention is not
limited to a specific embodiment of the length 56 or the width
57.
[0052] A crank 60 may be connected to the base 50 such that the
crank 60 may rotate relative to the base 50 and/or the housing 11.
The crank 60 may be an arm, a lever, a handle and/or the like. The
crank 60 may have a knob 61 to assist the user in grasping the
crank 60. Rotation of the crank 60 may provide power to the lamp 55
as discussed in more detail hereafter. The crank 60 may fold into a
compact orientation such that the crank 60 may not extend from the
base 50 if the crank 60 has the compact orientation. For example,
the crank 60 may have a hinge 62 that may enable the crank 60 to
fold into the compact orientation. As a further example, the crank
60 in the compact orientation may have a length that may be
approximately equal to or less than the width 41 of the housing 11
and/or the width 51 of the base 11. The present invention is not
limited to a specific embodiment of the crank 60, and the crank 60
may be any component of the bottle 10 that may be enable user
action to provide power for the lamp 55.
[0053] As generally illustrated in FIG. 4, a cord 150 may be
connected to the base 50 such that the cord 150 may extend from the
base 50 and/or the housing 11. For example, the base 50 may have an
opening 149 from which the cord 150 may extend. The cord 150 may
have a first end 151 and/or a second end 152 located in a position
opposite to the first end 151. A handle 155 may be connected to the
first end 151 of the cord 150 to assist the user in grasping and/or
pulling the cord 150. The opening 149 may be located between the
first end 151 of the cord 150 and the second end 152 of the cord
150. The handle 155 may have a width 156 that may be any width. In
an embodiment, the width 156 of the handle 155 may be approximately
equal to the width 51 of the base 50 so that the handle 155 may not
extend from the base 50 if the handle 155 and/or the cord 150 are
not in use. In another embodiment, the width 156 of the handle 155
may be less than the width 51 of the base 50 so that the handle 155
may not extend from the base 50 if the handle 155 and/or the cord
150 are not in use. The present invention is not limited to a
specific embodiment of the cord 150 or the handle 151. Further, the
present invention is not limited to a specific location of the cord
150. FIG. 4 depicts the cord 150 extending from a bottom of the
base 50, but the cord 150 may extend from any location on the
bottle 10 and/or the base 50. For example, the cord 150 may extend
from a side of the base 50.
[0054] The second end 152 of the cord 150 may be connected to a
bobbin 160. The bobbin 160 may be connected to the base 50 and/or
the housing 11. For example, the bobbin 160 may be located inside
of the base 50. The bobbin 160 may be, for example, a spindle, a
cylinder, a rod and/or the like. The bobbin 160 may rotate relative
to the base 50 and/or the housing 11. The cord 150 may wind around
the bobbin 160 so that pulling the cord 150 may unwind the cord 150
from the bobbin 160 and/or may rotate the bobbin 160. The bobbin
160 may have a spring (not shown) that may compress during
unwinding of the cord 150 so that the spring may decompress after
unwinding the cord 150 to rotate the bobbin 160 in an opposite
direction. Rotating the bobbin 160 in the opposite direction may
rewind the cord 150 around the bobbin 160. Pulling the cord 150
and/or rotating the bobbin 160 may provide power to the lamp 55 as
discussed in more detail hereafter. The present invention is not
limited to a specific embodiment of the bobbin 160.
[0055] In an embodiment, an additional cord (not shown) may rewind
the cord 150 around the bobbin 160. For example, the additional
cord may be wound around the bobbin 160 such that unwinding of the
cord 150 may cause winding of the additional cord around the bobbin
160. Unwinding of the additional cord may cause winding of the cord
150 around the bobbin 160. Thus, the user may alternate pulling the
cord 150 and pulling the additional cord. In an embodiment, the
cord 150 and the additional cord may be formed by one cord. The one
cord may have a first end and a second end, and/or the one cord may
be attached to the bobbin 160 at the approximate midpoint between
the first end and the second of the one cord. A first portion of
the one cord between the approximate midpoint and the first end may
form the cord 150, and/or a second portion of the one cord located
between the approximate midpoint and the second end may form the
additional cord.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the bottle 10 may have a status
light 70 that may be connected to the base 50. In an embodiment,
the status light 70 may be a single light emitting diode. The
status light 70 may indicate if an amount of power generated is
equal to or greater than a threshold value. For example, the
threshold value may be the amount of power necessary for the lamp
55 to emit the ultraviolet light and/or the visible light for a
predetermined time period, such as, for example, ninety seconds.
The status light 70 may emit a first color of light if the amount
of power generated is less than the threshold value, and/or the
status light 70 may emit a second color of light that may be a
different color than the first color if the amount of power
generated is equal to or greater than the threshold value. For
example, the status light 70 may emit red light if the amount of
power generated is less than the threshold value, and/or the status
light 70 may emit green light if the amount of power generated is
equal to or greater than the threshold value. As a further example,
the status light 70 may not emit light if the amount of power
generated is less than the threshold value, and/or the status light
70 may emit light if the amount of power generated is equal to or
greater than the threshold value.
[0057] The bottle 10 may use audio signals to indicate if the
amount of power generated is equal to or greater than the threshold
value. For example, the base 50 may emit a sound if the amount of
power generated is equal to or greater than the threshold value.
The base 50 may emit the sound after the rotation of the crank 60
has generated the amount of power necessary for the lamp 55 to emit
the ultraviolet light and/or the visible light for the
predetermined time period.
[0058] The bottle 10 may have a switch 75 that may be connected to
the base 50. The lamp 55 may emit the ultraviolet light and/or the
visible light in response to activation of the switch 75, such as,
for example, the user moving the switch 75 from a first position to
a second position. In an embodiment, activation of the switch 75
may initiate emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the visible
light by the lamp 55 if the status light 70 indicates that the
amount of power generated is equal to or greater than a threshold
value. For example, in an embodiment, the lamp 55 may not initiate
emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the visible light until
activation of the switch 75 after the status light 70 indicates
that the amount of power generated is equal to or greater than the
threshold value. For example, activation of the switch 75 may
initiate emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the visible light
by the lamp 55 if the status light 70 emits green light. In an
embodiment, the status light 70 may cease emitting light after
activation of the switch 75. The switch 75 may be, for example, a
button that may be pressed, a lever that may be moved and/or any
means known to one having ordinary skill in the art to initiate
emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the visible light by the
lamp 55.
[0059] In an embodiment, the bottle 10 may not have the switch 75.
For example, the lamp 55 may emit the ultraviolet light and/or the
visible light automatically in response to determination that the
rotation of the crank 60 generated an amount of power equal to or
greater than a threshold value. In an embodiment, the ultraviolet
light may be emitted at an intensity of at least fifteen
mJ/cm.sup.2. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet light may be
emitted at an intensity of at least twenty mJ/cm.sup.2. In a
preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet light may be emitted at an
intensity of at least twenty-five mJ/cm.sup.2.
[0060] As generally illustrated in FIG. 2, the crank 60, the bobbin
160 and/or the lamp 55 may be connected to a dynamo 80 that may be
located in the base 50. As known to one having ordinary skill in
the art, a dynamo may generate current using an armature which
rotates within a magnetic field, and a dynamo may have a stationary
structure which may provide the magnetic field. Rotation of the
crank 60 and/or the bobbin 160 may generate power for the lamp 55
using the dynamo 80. For example, the dynamo 80 and/or the armature
of the dynamo 80 may be mechanically coupled to the bobbin 160
and/or the crank 60. Examples of the cord 150, the bobbin 160 and
the dynamo 180 that may be used in the present invention are
disclosed in U.S. Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2008/0150378, 2008/0150493,
2008/0150495, 2008/0157531, 2008/0157536, 2008/0157615, and
2008/0157635 assigned to Potenco, Inc., herein incorporated by
reference in their entirety. The present invention is not limited
to specific embodiment of the dynamo 80.
[0061] A circuit 90 may be connected to the lamp 55 to control a
time period of emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the visible
light by the lamp 55. For example, the circuit 90 may end emission
of the ultraviolet light and/or the visible light by the lamp 55 if
the time period of emission reaches a predetermined value, such as,
for example, ninety seconds. For example, the circuit 90 may
prevent the lamp 55 from receiving additional power if the time
period of emission matches the predetermined value. The circuit 90
may automatically end emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the
visible light by the lamp 55 if the time period of emission reaches
the predetermined value such that user input may not be needed to
end the emission. For example, after the user moves the switch 75
at a first time to initiate emission, the user may not need to
activate the switch 75 at a second time to end the emission. If the
lamp 55 stops emitting the visible light after the time period of
emission reaches the predetermined value, the user may be informed
that the liquid may be sterilized by the ultraviolet light by
viewing that emission of the visible light ended.
[0062] In an embodiment, the bottle 10 may have one or more
replaceable batteries 95 that may be inserted in the base 50 and/or
may connect to the lamp 55. The one or more replaceable batteries
95 may be, for example, a lithium battery, a nickel metal hydride
battery, an alkaline battery and/or the like. In a preferred
embodiment, the one or more replaceable batteries 95 may be four
"AA" size batteries as known to one having ordinary skill in the
art. In an embodiment, the one or more replaceable batteries 95 may
provide power to the lamp 55 if the crank 60, the cord 150 and/or
the dynamo 80 fail. In an embodiment, the crank 60, the cord 150
and/or the dynamo 80 may provide power to the lamp 55 if the one or
more replaceable batteries 95 fail. The one or more replaceable
batteries may be removed from the base 50, and/or one or more new
replaceable batteries may be inserted into the base 50. The one or
more replaceable batteries 95 may have an output of at least 2300
milliamp hours (mAh) to power the lamp 55. The present invention is
not limited to a specific embodiment or a specific quantity of the
one or more replaceable batteries 95.
[0063] In an embodiment, the bottle 10 may have one or more
rechargeable batteries 96 that may be located inside the base 50
and/or may connect to the lamp 50. The one or more rechargeable
batteries 96 may be, for example, a lithium battery, a nickel metal
hydride battery and/or the like. The one or more rechargeable
batteries 96 may be connected to a power cable 97 that may be
connected to an electrical outlet to recharge the one or more
rechargeable batteries 96. The one or more rechargeable batteries
96 may be recharged by the dynamo 80 and/or the rotation of the
crank 60 and/or the bobbin 160. In an embodiment, the one or more
rechargeable batteries 96 may provide power to the lamp 55 if the
crank 60, the cord 150 and/or the dynamo 80 fail. In an embodiment,
the crank 60, the cord 150 and/or the dynamo 80 may provide power
to the lamp 55 if the one or more rechargeable batteries 96 fail.
The one or more rechargeable batteries 96 may have an output of at
least milliamp hours (mAh) to power the lamp 55. The present
invention is not limited to a specific embodiment or a specific
quantity of the rechargeable battery 96.
[0064] In an embodiment, the base 50 and/or the housing 11 may be
connected to a solar collector 170. The solar collector 170 may be
connected to the one or more rechargeable batteries 96, and/or the
solar collector 170 may recharge the one or more rechargeable
batteries 96. The solar collector 170 may use light energy from the
sun to generate electricity that may be used to recharge the one or
more rechargeable batteries 96. The solar collector 170 may have
photovoltaic cells (not shown) that capture the light energy. The
present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment of the
solar collector 170, and the solar collector 170 may be any solar
collector that uses the light energy to recharge the one or more
rechargeable batteries 96.
[0065] FIG. 3 generally illustrates a method 98 for sterilizing a
liquid. As shown at step 99, the user may place the liquid in the
bottle 10, such as, for example, by pouring the liquid into the
first opening 20 of the housing 11. As shown at step 100, the user
may connect the lid 30 to the bottle 10 and/or the housing 11. For
example, the user may use the grooves 5 to connect the lid 30 to
the housing 11.
[0066] As shown at step 101, the user may prepare the crank 60 for
rotation, such as, for example, by unfolding the crank 60 from the
base 50 using the hinge 62 of the crank 60. Alternatively, as shown
at step 103, the user may prepare to pull the cord 150, such as,
for example, by grasping the cord 150 and/or the handle 155. As
shown at step 105, the user may rotate the crank 60 and/or the
bobbin 160. For example, the user may rotate the crank 60 relative
to the base 50. Alternatively, the user may rotate the bobbin 160
by pulling the cord 150 and/or the handle 155. As shown at step
110, rotation of the crank 60 and/or the bobbin 160 may generate
power using the dynamo 80. As shown at step 115, in an embodiment
having the rechargeable battery 96, the dynamo 80 may provide the
power to the rechargeable battery 96. As shown at step 120, the
dynamo 80 may provide power to the lamp 55. For example, the dynamo
80 may directly provide power to the lamp 55. An indication may be
provided that identifies that an amount of power equal to or
greater than the threshold value was generated, as shown at step
125. For example, the status light may 70 indicate that the
rotation of the crank 60 generated an amount of power equal to or
greater than the threshold value. As shown at step 130, the user
may activate the switch 75, such as, for example, by moving the
switch 75 from a first position to a second position.
[0067] As generally shown at step 135, the ultraviolet light and/or
the visible light may be emitted into the interior 15 of the
housing 11 in response to activation of the switch 75 and/or
indication that the rotation of the crank 60 generated an amount of
power equal to or greater than the threshold value. For example,
the lamp 55 may emit the ultraviolet light and/or the visible
light. As generally shown at step 140, the circuit 90 may end
emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the visible light if the
time period of emission reaches the predetermined value, such as,
for example, ninety seconds. For example, the circuit 90 may
automatically end the emission of the ultraviolet light and/or the
visible light if the time period of emission reaches the
predetermined value.
[0068] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its
attendant advantages.
* * * * *